Knowing your trade is one part of the advantage. Knowing how to land the job is the other. On Oct. 15, every first-year full-time student at Mid-America Technology Center (MATC) spent part of the day learning that second part straight from industry professionals during Advantage Day.
Students rotated through three sessions so every student heard every speaker. Jennifer Spencer and Toni Gay of Coffeyville Resources' Wynnewood Refining Company presented "Resume to Rockstar," covering resumes, applications and interviews. Jason Tartaglio of Oklahoma Water Professionals led "Pillars of Success," and Amy Richey of The Grille Restaurant in Pauls Valley shared how she got her start in business.
"Advantage Day gives our students the chance to hear from the people who will one day be their employers and coworkers," said Brooke LeMay, Advantage teacher at MATC. "We teach these skills in the classroom every day, but when students hear them from industry professionals, it really clicks. They leave with greater confidence and a clearer picture of their future."
Students said the advice hit home. In a survey after the event, one student wrote, "I was able to learn what a presentable resume should look like as well as the ways you should present yourself during interviews."
Another student wrote, "It made me realize there's more out there and things to learn before going into the workforce."
"Since I have not done a lot of interviews, I liked the steps that they provided for the future," a third student wrote.
Between sessions, students networked with presenters and classmates during "Fuel Your Future" breaks, with snacks provided and coffee available from Iron Wolf Coffee.
Advantage Day has evolved over several years and builds on the year-round work of MATC's Advantage Center. There, students learn to explore careers, write resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews and complete OSHA safety training. The center also teaches study skills, financial literacy and other life skills that help students succeed in the classroom, the workplace and everyday life.
Thank you to our guest speakers for investing in our students. Hands-on skills plus real-world workplace skills: that's how students discover their competitive advantage at Mid-America Technology Center.